Western Diocese

On Sunday, November 18, 2007, on the joyous occasion of the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of the San Diego Parish, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese made a pastoral visit to the St. John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego and celebrated the Divine Liturgy and offered the sermon to the enthusiastic parishioners gathered at the church.

A reception on this joyous occasion of the 30 anniversary was held at the church hall following church service. The Primate presented special “Recognition” letters to the parishioners of the year, Lorraine “Sunny” Van Cleave and Vahe Derounian.

The Primate has sent the following message to this faithful on the joyous occasion:

From the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, we extend to you our blessings and greetings with genuine love to the Rev. Fr. Archpriest Datev Tatoulian, Pastor of St. John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego, the Parish Council, Diocesan Delegates, the Ladies’ Society, the Sunday School, the Armenian Language School, the Fundraising Committee, the Social Service Committee, the A.C.Y.O., Deacons and Acolytes, and all other committees involved with the joyous occasion of the 30^th anniversary of the church.

The role of the St. John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego in the history of the Western Diocese has been noteworthy. Since not long after the formation of the parish, and due to the exemplary cooperation between the Parish Council and all other committees involved, the church became blessed with her permanent parish priest. We would like to especially praise Rev. Fr. Archpriest Datev Tatoulian for his performance and vision in fulfillment of the mission of the Church. The St. John Garabed, indeed, is a church founded on firm foundations.

How blessed we all are that we celebrate the 30^th anniversary of St. John Garabed Church of San Diego and the 80^th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in the same year.

On this joyous occasion, we congratulate from the bottom of our heart to the faithful members of St. John Garabed Church of San Diego, especially the Rev. Fr. Archpriest Datev Tatoulian and the members of several committees that have rendered their God-pleasing services to the St. John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego.

“Always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father” (Eph. 5:20).